Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
A parasitic alien soul is injected into the body of Melanie Stryder. Instead of carrying out her race's mission of taking over the Earth, "Wanda" (as she comes to be called) forms a bond with her host and sets out to aid other free humans.
The Host is a tepid adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel that struggles to translate its dual-consciousness premise to screen. The central gimmick of two personalities sharing one body leads to clunky internal monologue voiceovers rather than compelling drama. Acting is largely flat, with Saoirse Ronan doing her best but hamstrung by weak dialogue and a thin romantic triangle. Cinematography offers some decent desert and cave visuals but nothing remarkable. The film recycles familiar YA dystopian tropes without adding distinctive style or voice, and the resolution feels rushed and unsatisfying. Overall a forgettable entry in the post-Twilight YA adaptation wave.